Read: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11
As we close this week we’ve learned that although life
is not easy our true and only contentment comes from accepting Jesus Christ, and having faith that in
Him we will have everything we need. Jesus is sufficient, and his promises are
enough.
But there are times
when our life can be obscured with troubles and hardship, how can we be
content? Paul reminds us that when
suffering abounds, consolation also abound. Jesus is there to bring comfort (John 16:33), if we are
willing to receive it. (vs.5)
“But if we are troubled and distressed,
it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted and encouraged,
it is for your comfort, which works [in you] when you patiently endure the same
sufferings which we [b]experience” (vs.6)
In this verse we find the
key to contentment: “when you patiently endure”.
Patience!! I humbly had to admit I definitely lack of
patience. How do I react when unexpected circumstances come along? We tend to
want everything to be perfect: just as we planned and we also want things to
happen as fast as possible!
O how many times have I recited this verse from Psalm
27:14!
“Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” (NLT)
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” (NLT)
Our lack of patience brings discontentment, stress,
grumbling – questioning God- and even rehearsing negative thoughts!
Paul also encouraged the Colossians with these words:
“[we pray that you
may be] strengthened and invigorated with all power, according
to His glorious might, to attain every kind of endurance and patience with
joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has
qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints (God’s people) in the
Light.” (Col. 1:11-12)
So here Paul is also telling
us that something has to happen in our hearts: His Holy Spirit is able to
strengthen and invigorate us, to attain every kind of endurance.
We need inward peace as
well as outward control (Gal. 5:22-23) We need to become grateful. It is impossible to develop contentment without gratitude. We must also submit our schedules,
our desires, our dreams to the greater plans of God. Having the conviction that
He has a good reason for every delay that He allows to come our way!
God’s promise not to forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) should give us the assurance
and confidence we need to be content with who we are, what we have, and what
our future holds.
I pray that we find freedom from discontentment as we
learn to depend upon God and to be content in any and every circumstance (Phil 4:11-13).
Blessings,
Mari
